Liguria is a beautiful region located in northwest Italy, famous for its picturesque coastline and rugged landscape dotted with colorful villages. However, Liguria is much more than just its stunning scenery; it is also the birthplace of pesto – a delicious basil-based sauce that can elevate any pasta dish. Ligurian pesto is made by pounding fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil into a smooth paste. This sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal.
The first step in making homemade pasta with Ligurian pesto is to prepare the pasta dough. Making pasta from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s actually easier than you think. All you need is all-purpose flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out using a pasta machine or rolling pin. Cut it into your desired shape, such as spaghetti or linguine. While you’re making the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the Ligurian pesto sauce. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and set it aside.
When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it and add it to the bowl with the pesto sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce until it’s well coated. To add more flavor, you can also add a few spoonfuls of the pasta cooking water to the sauce.
Serve the homemade pasta with Ligurian pesto hot and garnish with some extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy as it’s made with fresh ingredients. The combination of homemade pasta and Ligurian pesto is a match made in heaven. The pasta is perfectly al dente, and the pesto is bursting with flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In conclusion, homemade pasta with Ligurian pesto is a simple yet delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. The dish is easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this pasta dish is sure to please. So, why not take a break from your usual pasta recipe and try something new? Once you taste the homemade pasta with Ligurian pesto, you’ll never go back to store-bought pasta again.